Florida LINKS Living Fall 2013 by LINKS Magazine

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a supplement to LINKS Magazine

FLORIDA LINKSliving A UNIQUE COLLECTION OF PRIVATE GOLF COMMUNITIES AND MEMBERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

First, American Golfers Adopted Our National Attire.

Now They’re Adopting Our National Drink.

We Bermudians know a thing or two about keeping cool. Our shorts, of course,

are world famous and our national cocktail is now well on its way. Called the Dark ’n Stormy,® it’s Gosling’s luscious Black Seal Rum over rocks with our zesty Stormy Ginger Beer and an optional lime garnish. Simple. But intricately delicious, instantly refreshing. And winning zealous followers at 19th holes all across the U.S. One taste is all it takes.

Gosling’s. For Seven Stubborn Generations. www.goslingsrum.com We make it slowly, stubbornly. Please enjoy it slowly, responsibly. 40% ABV. Product of Bermuda. Castle Brands, NY, NY.

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8/5/13 7:14 AM

First, American Golfers Adopted Our National Attire.

Now They’re Adopting Our National Drink.

We Bermudians know a thing or two about keeping cool. Our shorts, of course,

Gosling’s. For Seven Stubborn Generations. www.goslingsrum.com We make it slowly, stubbornly. Please enjoy it slowly, responsibly. 40% ABV. Product of Bermuda. Castle Brands, NY, NY.

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PUBLISHER’S letter

The Funtime State I’M PLEASED TO BRING YOU another edition of FLORIDA LINKSLiving. If there’s any state in the country that epitomizes the golf community lifestyle, it’s Florida. They call it the Sunshine State, but perhaps they should call it the Funtime State because there’s so much to do, starting with the great golf. There are more than 1,200 courses—the most of any state. Of course, the best are found at communities like the ones in this issue. The Jack Nicklaus Signature Design at The Concession in Bradenton near Tampa is one of the most beautiful and challenging courses in the state. With fast, undulating greens that fall off to tightly mown chipping areas, they could hold a major championship there tomorrow. On the other coast in West Palm Beach at Ibis Golf & Country Club is another Jack Nicklaus Signature that is also a must-play with water coming into play on more than half the holes. It’s actually a family affair at Ibis with Jack’s sons, Jack II and Steve, designing the other two terrific courses. A little farther south you’ll find Boca West, where the King himself, Arnold Palmer, designed not just one but two of the four courses there, while Pete Dye and Jim Fazio created the others. Range finders in every cart eliminate looking for yardage on sprinkler heads, while the paspalum turf on the Fazio and Dye courses handles the south Florida climate beautifully and hardly ever presents a bad lie. The same eco-friendly, never-a-bad-lie turf is also used tee to green at Talis Park Golf Club in Naples, where you can find one of just two Greg Norman-Pete Dye courses in the world. Dye says he’s never seen a course with such great conditions, and he’s seen a few. Also in the Naples area is TwinEagles with its two outstanding courses that have hosted both LPGA and Champions Tour events. Both are in their best shape in years, with one completely redesigned, while the other was restored to its original grandeur. These communities are really sprucing things up because people are no longer just looking. They’re buying. The real estate market is bustling, but prices are still affordable. I wouldn’t wait too long, however—prices are just going to rise from here. If Florida is your cup of tee, so to speak, I urge you to visit one of these great communities or LINKSGolfRealEstate.com and start doing your due diligence. Haven’t you waited long enough? Sincerely,

Jack Purcell President and Publisher jpurcell@linksmagazine.com

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contents

Boca West Country Club

The Concession

An unwavering commitment to extraordinary service and amenities has made this private residential country club one of the best in the country

The rebirth of one of the country’s great private golf communities offers an outstanding opportunity to experience a celebrated golf course, superb amenities, and attractively priced homes

This Palm Beach enclave with three Nicklaus courses offers the best of both worlds—city sophistication and convenience in a lush oasis of unexpected tranquility

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Talis Park Golf Club

TwinEagles

Old-fashioned grace wrapped in a new-fashioned lifestyle

On Florida’s west coast, two great courses and a commitment to high On the cover: standards are supported Ibis Golf & Country Club by savvy economics

on the cover: Talis Park Golf Club

FALL 2013

Ibis Golf & Country Club

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Boca West Country Club An unwavering commitment to extraordinary service and amenities has made this private residential country club one of the best in the country

t is no small feat to be named the nation’s

“We are in the member-pleasing business,” says Jay

top private country club (nine years run-

DiPietro, club president and general manager. “We

ning nonetheless) by the Platinum Clubs of

understand what people want and don’t want. We

America. But in Boca Raton, a city rich with

work hard at it. And we recruit and hand pick the

the world’s finest private clubs found any-

nicest, friendliest, most attentive people in the world

where, that numero uno ranking among the elites and

to work here.” More than 800 of those hand-picked

the bragging rights that come with it just might be

employees work in the club during peak season.

the most satisfying honor. Boca West Country Club, perfectly situated on 1,400 lushly landscaped acres between West Palm Beach and Fort Lauderdale, isn’t just one of the topranked clubs in the country. With more than 6,000 residents, it is also one of the largest. Everything is bigger than life here, from the magnificent clubhouse, sports center and spa to the four championship golf courses to the six separate dining venues that rival the top restaurants of any major city. And while the club’s size allows it to skillfully handle any member function, and serve 900 for dinner in the clubhouse, Boca West’s biggest asset isn’t its grand scale, but its staff. FALL 2013

ABOVE: The clubhouse can accommodate a variety of social events. OPPOSITE: The cascading water feature at the club’s Aquatic Center BELOW: A waterfall serves as the backdrop at the 18th green on Fazio II.

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ABOVE: The golf experience overall is first class, starting with the lush landscaping. RIGHT: The 506-yard 18th on Palmer I features a nifty “beach bunker.” FAR RIGHT: With more than 30 courts, tennis is huge at Boca West. BELOW: The Spa lobby’s waterfall sculpture

The members appear to be well pleased. Thirty five percent of them live here year round, a figure double or better that of other southern Florida communities. They love it so much that they can’t wait to tell their friends about the place. That “word of mouth” is the main factor in selling homes. Even in lean real estate years, Boca West will still sell an impressive 100 homes a year. “Our members support our club because they treasure it here,” says DiPietro. “They are proud of their club.” What’s not to be proud of? The

member tournaments typically attracting 500 partici-

the facilities seem forever young

pants, multiple courses are a necessity. Palmer I, the first course completed here, is a true

refreshed. Started in 1970, the club

championship golf course and often the venue used

has never had an assessment and

for big tournaments. Fazio II, with its waterfalls at the

everything looks brand new.

9th and 18th greens that spill over hand-sculpted

The golf experience, like every-

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1997 and offer not just great golf, but lots of it. With

community, the clubhouse, and all because everything is constantly

Jim Fazio and Pete Dye, have all been rebuilt since

stones, is considered the most aesthetically pleasing.

thing else, is first class. The four

When they hired Dye to design course IV, they told

golf courses, by Arnold Palmer,

him they wanted a Pete Dye course that was playable. FALL 2013

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Boca West Country Club 20583 Boca West Drive Boca Raton, Fla. 33434 561.488.6934 BocaWestCC.org

Pa l me r I PAR: 72 YARDAGE: 7,220 YEAR FOUNDED: 1997 ARCHITECT: Arnold Palmer

Fa z Io II “I’ll build you a golf course I would want to play

poolside casual to elegant fare in Panache,

every day,” Dye said. And he did exactly that.

and the venues are designed to serve

There are so many details that enhance the golf experience. Laser finders in every cart eliminate looking

every taste. Likewise, there are a number of op-

for yardage on sprinkler heads, while the paspalum

tions for living in this paradise. Condo-

turf on the Fazio and Dye courses handles the south

miniums from the $100,000s to $8 mil-

Florida climate beautifully and hardly ever presents a

lion homes in re-gated neighborhoods

bad lie. In addition to separate locker rooms and card

are available. One of the convenient

rooms for men and women, they each have their own

membership perks is the ability to select

extensive pro shops as well.

the option that suits you best on an

While golf may reign supreme, tennis flourishes

PAR: 71 YARDAGE: 6,811 YEAR FOUNDED: 2005 ARCHITECT: Jim Fazio

Pa l me r III PAR: 72 YARDAGE: 6,753 YEAR FOUNDED: 1999 ARCHITECT: Arnold Palmer

Dy e IV PAR: 72 YARDAGE: 6,954 YEAR FOUNDED: 2006 ARCHITECT: Pete Dye

annual basis. While social membership is the

here, too. More than 30 Har-Tru courts, a full sched-

minimum, every year you can pick and choose what

ule of tournament and social events, an active junior

other memberships you would like, including

program, a new Tennis Center (opened April 2013),

individual golf memberships.

BELOW: Members can choose from six different dining venues.

and exhibitions by some of the sport’s best players, keep things busy courtside. You can’t spend any time here without discovering that food is a very big deal at Boca West. The club has a well-earned reputation for providing its members an incredible dining experience. The food is so good and so appreciated, members have no need to travel outside the gates for gourmet dining. DiPietro never forgot advice he received early in his career: “Some people play golf, some people play tennis. Everybody eats.” And eat they do. The club serves a remarkable three quarters of a million meals a year through its six restaurants. The menus, from FALL 2013

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The Concession

The rebirth of one of the country’s great private golf communities offers an outstanding opportunity to experience a celebrated golf course, superb amenities, and attractively priced homes

remier golf club communities begin

home in sight. There are no tee times, every hole feels

with a vision—a passion to create a

like a signature hole, and the course’s design and

special place to play, to live, to feel

limited membership let golfers feel they have the place

at home. But it is the rarest of all

to themselves.

communities that is inspired by a

Opened near Sarasota, Florida at the height of the

moment. Not just any moment, but the greatest in the

last real estate boom, The Concession, developed by

long history of sportsmanship. The Concession was

Core Development and Property Markets Group,

born from that historic act.

enjoyed immediate success. The golf course, with its

The story is legendary. On the final hole of the 1969

tournament quality conditioning (they will host the

ABOVE: The Clubhouse is filled with all kinds of golf memorabilia, with particular emphasis on the 1969 Ryder Cup. OPPOSITE: The green on the 543-yard 13th is protected by bunkers. BELOW: Jack Nicklaus and Tony Jacklin, past Ryder Cup captains, are honorary club members.

Ryder Cup match at Royal Birkdale, Jack Nicklaus conceded a two-foot putt to Tony Jacklin to halve their match that resulted in the first overall tie in Ryder Cup history. Nicklaus’s gesture became known as “the concession” and marked the beginning of a lasting friendship between the two that became the inspiration for one of America’s great golf course communities. OPPOSITE: JIM MANDEVILLE

Designed in association with Jacklin, the Nicklaus Signature Golf Course was hailed by Golf Digest as the “Best New Private Course” when it debuted in 2006. Spanning over 520 pristine acres, this is a course full of thought-provoking, strategic challenges and nary a FALL 2013

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ABOVE: Formal meals are served in the Clubhouse’s elegant Dining Room. Members enjoy casual and private dining, as well. BELOW: There are only 236 homesites, most more than an acre in size, available on 1,200 acres.

2015 NCAA Men’s and Women’s Championships) and the country’s highest slope rating, won praise far and wide. On the real estate side, the first phase of 114 homesites sold out quickly, with prices ranging from $500,000 up to $1.3 million. Then the world changed overnight. Real estate at the community, like countless others across the country, went into a holding pattern. If you want to know the true character of a place, look at what it does when the going gets tough. Even in daunting market conditions, The Concession invested in the club, continued their relentless pursuit of

for members to gather and socialize, the new club

perfection, and stayed committed to their member-

proudly proclaimed to the world, “We’re here!”

ship. Real estate may have been at a standstill, but the club certainly wasn’t. In 2009, while others were looking for ways to shave

The club also brought Nicklaus back to review his course with an eye toward improving the fun factor without losing any of its toughness. They introduced

their budgets, The Concession opened a spacious new

national memberships, golf cottages, and added a Young

clubhouse worthy of the Cup. With wide verandas

Professional category to their membership offerings.

overlooking the golf course and lake, the clubhouse

Now, with the real estate revival in full swing, they

features a men’s locker room complete with lockers for

are poised—with new homesite prices starting in the

25 of the living Ryder Cup captains. They introduced

$200,000s—to offer tremendous value to homebuyers

an exceptional culinary experience. Their Bistro was

with the introduction of their second phase. The

honored with an invitation by the James Beard

timing is impeccable—250 homes have sold for

Foundation to host a performance dinner at the Beard

$1 million or more already this year in the Sarasota

House, the equivalent of a culinary Oscars. A venue

area. The market is hot again and this low-density

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community is ready with its final 135 homesites. From the winding entrance drive, past hammocks of 100-year-old oaks and towering pines, past sandhill cranes standing sentinel over acres of natural beauty, the allure of The Concession is immediate. The Old Florida landscape is evocative of North Carolina, but improved by the warm Florida winters. You get the sense that this type of community will never be duplicated again. Its expansive 1,200 acres are home to only 236 homesites. Many of those remaining homesites are one acre in size—perfect for creating real backyards and ensuring coveted privacy. The Concession’s rebirth is ringing true with

Sarasota Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. Even closer to home, are all the conveniences of neighboring 17,500-acre Lakewood Ranch, which

homebuyers. More often than not, new owners are

provides easy access to a movie theater, restaurants,

saying they have finally found a lasting home and that

quaint shops, A-rated schools, business parks, church-

this is the last place they will build. In the past three

es, and a top-rated hospital and medical center.

months, just barely after opening the second phase,

Sarasota Bradenton International Airport,

they have already sold 25 homesites.

which serves more than one million pas-

Long embraced as a vacation getaway by the world’s

sengers a year, is just 15 miles away. It is

rich and famous, nearby Sarasota adds a zesty pulse

true, as they say here, that The Concession

to the club’s lifestyle. The cultural scene boasts world-

is remotely connected to everything.

class opera, ballet, museums, and art galleries. The

Created from a great moment in golf’s

waters of the Gulf Coast provide plenty of opportunity

history, The Concession finds itself at

for boating, fishing, and kayaking, and relaxing at one

another great moment: in the ideal time

of the world’s Top 10 beaches—Siesta Key. One of the

and place for discerning homebuyers

grandest amenities is the residents’ luxurious 53-foot

and golfers searching for the home of

club yacht available for travel and private parties in

their dreams.

FALL 2013

TOP: The 349-yard 12th is a great risk-reward par four. ABOVE: The residents’ 53-foot motor yacht, “The Concession”

The Concession 7700 Lindrick Lane Bradenton, Fla. 34202 941.388.0501 TheConcessionRealEstate.com PAR: 72 YARDAGE: 7,474 YEAR FOUNDED: 2006 ARCHITECTS:

Jack Nicklaus/Tony Jacklin

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Ibis Golf &Country Club This Palm Beach enclave with three Nicklaus courses offers the best of both worlds—city sophistication and convenience in a lush oasis of unexpected tranquility

lorida is treasured for its wildlife and

has a flavor unlike any other luxurious residential

nowhere is it more abundant, or

community in this desirable region of Florida.

more revered, than within Ibis Golf

only club in the world with three Nicklaus family

skirts of West Palm Beach.

courses (Jack, Jack II, and Steve) and each of them is

Just a few miles west of I-95 and minutes from the

elegance and diversions of the Palm Beaches, this private golf community bordered by the 12,000-acre Grassy Waters Nature Preserve feels like an oasis of natural beauty. From the moment you enter royal palm-lined Ibis Boulevard, you feel a world apart. The landscaping is lush, scenic lakes accent the grounds, and birds—spoonbills, blue herons, sandhill cranes, and ibis—are always in view. Nature permeates

everything. The streets are lined with trails for walking, jogging, and biking in the midst of the beauty. Ibis

FALL 2013

Golf also defines the Ibis experience. This is the

& Country Club on the western out-

unique. Jack’s Signature Legend course features an

ABOVE: The sprawling clubhouse can accommodate a variety of social events. OPPOSITE: The Legend’s 159-yard 13th features an enticing island green. BELOW: The club takes its name from the graceful white bird that populates the 1,900-acre community.

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RIGHT: For bird lovers, Ibis is filled with many species, including sandhill cranes. BELOW: The new pool complex will provide a relaxing oasis for members and guests.

is a veteran of the European Tour and has taught players on the PGA Tour, Champions Tour, and LPGA Tour, including Morgan Pressel. While the superb quality of the golf initially draws many to Ibis, it is the extraordinary quality of life (what they refer to as The Ibis Experience™) that makes this multi-generational membership well satisfied. Great pride is taken to create as many activities to enjoy as possible. That is important, as this is a yearround South Florida community (more than half the abundance of mounding. Jack II’s Heritage gives you

members consider this their permanent home) that is

the benefit of generous fairways, but requires more

very active every season. Facilities are open all year

water carries. And Steve’s Tradition is more links

and there is always a lot going on, including tennis

style, with undulating greens that place a premium on

(14 Har-Tru, HydroGrid, lighted courts plus a

your short game. Play all 54 holes and you’ll never see

bustling program), fitness, yoga, water aerobics, card

the same hole twice. With all three courses just re-

games, kids’ camps, and popular member events held

cently re-grassed, new members will reap the benefits

at the Mediterranean-style clubhouse.

of a completely up-to-date experience. What all the courses have in common, beyond the

tireless efforts of the Ibis Cultural Association.

Nicklaus stamp, outstanding layouts, and meticulous

Members can participate in more than 20 programs,

grooming, is that the finishing holes of each course

including acting and writing workshops; language,

comprise arguably the three hardest finishing holes

art, and cooking classes; musical presentations; and

in Palm Beach County, which sits just fine with a

photography exhibitions. The roster of events is

membership that loves to play golf. The Club boasts

diverse and full.

numerous member events and playing opportunities

As if that wasn’t enough to keep members busy,

for all skill levels, and remarkably, close to 80 per-

construction began this summer on a $33 million

cent of spouses play. Monthly complimentary clinics

Clubhouse enhancement and expansion and new

keep the active membership engaged.

Sports Village. An unbelievable gathering place for

Heading up an instructional staff of 11 is Martin

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Cultural opportunities abound thanks to the

members and their families, the Sports Village will

Hall, host of Golf Channel’s popular program, School

consist of a two-story fitness complex, full-service spa,

of Golf. One of the country’s premier instructors, Hall

casual bistro, and a resort-style aquatic center. Here

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Sand and water lurk everywhere on Legend’s 576-yard 8th. BELOW: The Patio Cafe is located by the heated, 25-meter pool. BOTTOM: The Ibis dog park is a popular amenity among the members.

members will enjoy Pilates, yoga, swimming laps,

and card rooms, expanded ballroom and

relaxing in the spa, or dining poolside with friends.

pre-function spaces, and several dining

Expansion of the Clubhouse includes a state-of-the-art

venues including a formal dining restau-

kitchen, spacious cultural activities room, new locker

rant and bar, casual pub with an outdoor terrace, and main grille dining overlooking the pristine golf courses. With more than 1,800 homes featuring lake, golf, or preserve views in a collection of 33 beautiful neighborhoods, there is plenty of choice when it comes to finding the home that suits you best. Ibis offers everything from condominiums, villas, single-family homes, new construction, and large estate homes, priced from the $200,000s into the millions. Ibis is an equity club owned by the members, who are justifiably proud of their spectacular amenities, unsurpassed lifestyle, and well-earned reputation. The

Ibis Golf & Country Club 8225 Ibis Boulevard West Palm Beach, Fla. 33412 561.625.8500 IbisGolf.com

TRADITION PAR: 72 YARDAGE: 7,130 YEAR FOUNDED: 2001 ARCHITECT: Steve Nicklaus

He RITAGe PAR: 72 YARDAGE: 7,062 YEAR FOUNDED: 1991 ARCHITECT: Jack Nicklaus II

Le Ge ND PAR: 72 YARDAGE: 7,187 YEAR FOUNDED: 1991 ARCHITECT: Jack Nicklaus

much-awarded club was honored with BoardRoom magazine’s Emerald Club distinction and was recently named the Sunshine State’s 2013 Community of the Year by the Florida Communities of Excellence for the second year in a row. FALL 2013

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Talis Park Golf Club Old-fashioned grace wrapped in a new-fashioned lifestyle

or visitors to Talis Park Golf Club in Naples, the sense of anticipation as the arched entry gate opens is palpable. Once inside, the eyes are mesmerized by a breathtaking tableau. Tall trees line an exquisitely

landscaped boulevard that winds past orchards, gardens and the glittering lakes and emerald-toned Sea Dwarf ® Paspalum fairways and greens of one of just

two Greg Norman-Pete Dye designed golf courses in the world. Acknowledged for its physical beauty and exceptional playability, the Talis Park course is a local legend and regarded as one of the nation’s premier golf experiences. “The golf experience at Talis Park is, above all else, about the Paspalum turf,” says Dave Witt, Director of Golf at the Talis Park Golf Club. “The course includes 133 acres of manicured turf. Everything—the tees,

he does it. It is truly one of the most beautiful courses I’ve seen.” Pete Dye agrees with that assessment. After touring his creation, Dye acknowledged the meticulous care ABOVE and OPPOSITE: Designed by Greg Norman and Pete Dye, the Talis Park course is one of only two courses in the world created by this partnership. LEFT: The Great Lawn is a beautifully executed green space that serves as the backdrop for signature Talis Park events such as harvest dinners, movie nights, concerts under the stars, or impromptu gatherings by owners.

fairways, roughs, and greens—is 100 percent Paspalum mowed to different heights. Our Golf Course Superintendent, Kevin Shields, understands the turf, and maintains the course in a way that is remarkable. The entire course is greener than green. Other clubs send their staff here to speak with Kevin to find out how FALL 2013

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ABOVE and RIGHT: Talis Park is the Old World made new, a place where old-fashioned grace is wrapped in a new-fashioned lifestyle that conveys a deeper, more meaningful idea of luxury. FAR RIGHT: The 375-yard 1st and the 401-yard 2nd BELOW: The 368-yard 12th is flanked by water on the left.

the course receives by remarking, “I haven’t seen a golf course like this anyplace in the world in as good of shape and condition as this one. Ever. I mean anyplace. Really. And I’ve seen a few.” The Talis Park course is challenging yet extremely playable thanks to the Paspalum turf, wide fairways, and a layout that typically provides left and right

Talis Park Golf Club General

escape routes on second and

Manager Butch Stewart.

third shots. The turf allows the

“Norman focused on the

ball to sit on top of the grass

routing of the course and the

rather than down in it even in

placement of the fairway

the rough. Average golfers can

bunkers. Dye typically designs

enjoy a round that is more

very tough courses. We wanted

about shot execution than cop-

Talis Park to work as a residen-

ing with less desirable lies they cannot control. Like

tial course as well as a course for tournament play,

the best courses, Talis Park rewards good shots and

such as a pro-am and a collegiate tournament we’ll be

errant shots have consequences.

hosting next spring. That’s the course we got—chal-

“Dye did all of the green and bunker work,” said

lenging, playable, fair, rewards good shots, penalizes

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bad shots, five sets of tees that allow golfers to enjoy

bunkers guard the greens, allowing the long hitter to

their game. That’s what golfers love about the

think twice about club selection. The front nine

course. Obviously, they love playing on the

resembles open and rolling parkland with scattered

Paspalum turf. Most golfers cannot appreciate

trees and ends with a descending par four to a

how remarkable the turf is until they play on it

peninsula green. The back nine is representative of

for the first time.”

Italy’s rural farmland, providing a strong contrast to

The Talis Park course measures 7,025 yards from the championship tees. A picturesque landscape

the earlier park-like holes. “Talis Park is about old-fashioned grace wrapped

allows for uphill and downhill holes while providing

in a new-fashioned lifestyle,” said Stewart. “The golf

images of a course set in the valleys of Tuscany. In the

experience begins the moment someone enters

tradition of older designs like the Commonwealth

the gate. Dave, Kevin, our Food & Beverage Director

Golf Club in Melbourne, Australia high-backed

Ana Peterson, and Membership Director Nancy Muschong understand this is a very special place reserved for a select group of just 325 members. The service component is as important as the quality of the course. We make it our business to know the personal preferences of our members and to anticipate their needs. It is a total club experience that is as unique as our members.”

Talis Park Golf Club 16475 Talis Park Drive Naples, Fla. 34110 239.514.1051 TalisPark.com

To learn about the residential opportunities at Talis Park and the Talis Park Golf Club experience, contact the Talis Park Garden House Sales Center at

PAR: 72 YARDAGE: 7,025 YEAR FOUNDED: 2004 ARCHITECTS: Greg Norman and Pete Dye

239-261-6798 or visit TalisPark.com.

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TwinEagles On Florida’s west coast, two great courses and a commitment to high standards are supported by savvy economics

winEagles—the wonderful and wel-

In the last three years, one of the two golf courses

coming golf community on Florida’s

was redesigned from first tee to final green, while the

West Coast—gives proof to the old

other was rejuvenated with a hefty helping of tender

adage that the three most important

loving care. An all-new fitness center and swimming

considerations when buying real

pool recently opened, as did an indoor/outdoor Chickee

estate are location, location, and location. Specifically:

bar that is the perfect after-round watering hole. Chas

—Location #1. TwinEagles is just half an hour from

Tatigian, master of the club’s dining room, was named

downtown Naples, a growing city with great restau-

Chef of the Year by the local chapter of the American

rants, culture, shopping, and miles of beaches along the

Culinary Federation. And the club entranceway was

beautiful Gulf of Mexico.

reconceived as an inviting panorama of lakes, fountains,

—Location #2: TwinEagles’ 1,115 acres show off nature’s bounty in all its glory, from abundant wildlife to lush tropical vegetation. —Location #3: TwinEagles boasts two outstanding golf courses, which have hosted both the LPGA and Champions Tours’ finest. But perhaps what is most impressive about the community is its unwillingness to rest on its laurels. The Ronto Group, which oversees operations, makes sure that TwinEagles consistently lives up to its residents’ needs and expectations by providing the ultimate in residential and golf experiences with timely and intelligent upgrades and additions. FALL 2013

bridges, and decorative plantings. But one crucial element of TwinEagles’ success has not changed: Its commitment to economic stability,

OPPOSITE: Eagle Course: 16th hole, 309 yards ABOVE: Talon Course: 16th hole, 162 yards BELOW: New club entranceway

LL_FALL13_TWINEAGLES_LINKS template 8/15/13 5:09 PM Page 22

ally known builders. Production and custom homes range from the mid-$200,000s to more than $2 million, assuring there is something for everyone and every taste. One attribute residents all agree on is the richness of the golf, on two courses gaining in international recognition. The Talon Courseâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;one of the first collaborations between Jack Nicklaus and son Jackieâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;is as sharp as its name, stretching to nearly 7,200 yards from the way-back Nicklaus tees but no less challenging from four other markers. A modern course in both design and temperament, Talon has comfortably wide ABOVE and RIGHT: The decorative plantings and flowering arch are all part of the new club entranceway. BELOW: Eagle Course: 2nd hole, 605 yards

achieved by tying club member-

fairways but puts a premium

ship to home ownership.

on precise shot placement.

Besides ensuring a strong bal-

The gentle mounding that

ance sheet now and into the

characterizes many holes gives

future, it keeps club dues low

Talon definition while also hid-

($10,000 a year) and eliminates

ing hazards from view.

the need for initiation fees.

A favorite with club mem-

There are a dozen neighbor-

bers, Talon also is one of the

hoods within TwinEagles, each